Gheástr (IPA: /χeastʁ/)
Gheástr is one of two animating forces that bring the world of Asalia to life. In its natural state, Gheástr exists as pure potential, capable of becoming and creating anything; unhindered by the limitations of physical matter, it makes up the fabric of the Otherworld, giving rise to the incredible diversity and vibrance of its ecosystem as well as its ever-shifting geography.
However, Gheástr as a force resists containment, making it largely incompatible with the material plane. When it does become bound to physical matter, it becomes unstable, and beings animated by it often turn out hostile, their Gheástr's infinite potential turning to volatility.
Manifestation
Aside from the presence of Gheástryn in an area, the most obvious indication of Gheástr in the environment can be seen in shadows. The more Gheástr present in a location, the more nearby shadows seem to grow longer, darker, almost solid, and may even absorb light rather than be dispelled by it.
Localization
The influence of Gheástr on Asalia is most apparent in its dark places, such as in deep caves and dense forests, as well as in proximity to crossing points between Asalia and the Otherworld. As such, the continent of Ðiéithtír experiences significantly elevated levels of Gheástr compared to the rest of Asalia, though one would be hard-pressed to find a corner of the world that doesn't contain some amount of Ghéastr.
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